Tit for tat.

Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt has named his Ireland team for their Six Nations opener with France in Paris this weekend. One of his biggest calls was at loosehead prop, with Cian Healy getting the nod over Jack McGrath.

The two have traded the number one jersey on a number of occasions at provincial level this season, with McGrath initially struggling to find form after touring with the Lions last summer.

This meant Healy got the nod for Ireland’s November international series, and it appears this has now stood to him and given him the edge over McGrath. Schmidt did however say, that they could end up going “tit for tat” during the championship.

“I think based on November form, when he [Healy] was last in with us he was very good.” Schmidt said following the team announcement.

“And it could well go tit for tat during the championship because they’re both very competitive.”

“They’re great mates as well and they drive each other forward. As well as that Dave Kilcoyne was injured, and James Cronin has come in and trained very well with us.”

“So we feel they keep each other up to the mark, and there’s a few other guys behind them keeping them up to the mark as well.”

Do you think Schmidt has made the correct decision? Sound off in the comments.